MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University used the long ball to power their way to victory over North Carolina A&T University 7-6 in extra innings Saturday night; however, it was the short game that ended up plating the winning run for the Lady Hornets.

Alabama State (4-11) got home runs from Amira James and Alexia Boggess – both their first of the season – to keep the Lady Hornets in the contest, but it was a bunt in the bottom of the ninth inning that gave Alabama State their first walk-off victory of the season. Senior Laura Aguilar laid down a bunt down the third base line that was thrown into right field, allowing Ragan Lacey to score from second with the winning run.

Lacey not only scored the run, but she prevented another run from scoring for North Carolina A&T (5-13-1) in the top half of the ninth inning when she threw out the potential go-ahead run at third base for the Lady Hornets.

However, the Lady Hornets would not have been where they were if not for the long ball early on. After North Carolina A&T went ahead 1-0 on a solo shot, Alabama State answered as Amira James hit a towering fly ball that caromed off the left field foul pole to tie the game at 1-all. The home run was her first this season, and the second of her career for the Lady Hornets.

The Lady Aggies took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth when Alexia Boggess jumped into the home run category with her first of the season. The senior shortstop hit a ball that flew over the scoreboard in right centerfield, and plated James, to give Alabama State a 4-2 lead.

The two teams would trade the lead and ultimately tie it up in the seventh before going extra innings.

Boggess led the offensive charge for Alabama State, finishing the night 2-for-4 with three runs batted in; while Diauna Nelson finished 2-for-4 with a run batted in. Kendall Core and Kaylee Davis each finished with a pair of hits for the Lady Hornets in the win that snapped a five-game losing streak.

Vanessa Bradford (4-3) came out of the bullpen to go 2.2 innings and allow just one run (unearned) and no hits to pick up the victory. She relieved starter Justine Jean who went 6.1 innings in the start, allowing five runs (just two earned) off of six hits.

Alabama State returns to action Sunday afternoon against Loyola Chicago at 3 pm, followed by a game against North Carolina A&T at 5 pm. Admission is free inside the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.

For more information on Alabama State University athletics, follow us on Twitter @BamaStateSports and like us on Facebook. For more information on Alabama State University softball, follow us on Twitter @BamaStateSB.